Crime Scene Cleanup- Choosing a Professional Company

Let’s face it, crime scenes are never good. For certain professionals, such as law enforcement agents and first responders, crime scenes are dealt with on a daily basis. However, the every-day person is not educated on how to deal with the aftermath of a crime scene; and honestly that’s for the best.

After your home or business has become a crime scene, it can be difficult to know what you should and shouldn’t do. The FIRST call of course will be to law enforcement. Once law enforcement is able to release the scene, the next step is to chose a professional crime scene cleanup company.

Whether faced with a suicide, homicide, or un-attended death, bodily fluid cleanup will be required. A family member or friend should NEVER attempt the cleanup process. Not only can it be emotionally traumatizing, but it can also pose a major threat to one’s health as well as spread the contamination and cause even greater damage to the property.

Leave It To The Professionals

Crime scene cleanup is dangerous work. Federal, state, and local governments have bureaus and agencies that promote and enforce lawful regulations as well as training for crime scene cleaners. OSHA, which is the most prominent government agency that has to do with crime scene cleanup regulations sets specific standards to ensure public health and welfare, the safety of employees, and environmental protection.

When the professional crime scene cleanup technician arrives on site, they will be dressed in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This includes full biohazard body suit with a hood, respiratory mask, shoe coverings, and gloves.

Some of the supplies that the professional crime scene technician will use include biohazard disposal containers, plastic sheeting to protect individual rooms, and proprietary cleaning agents and commercial solvents.

To ensure the crime scene is properly remediated, the crime scene technician will follow these steps:

Assessment-A formal walk through of the crime scene will be conducted and detailed notes will be taken. The affected areas will then be taped off using plastic sheeting. This will prevent contamination to un-affected areas within the property

Contaminated Materials Identification-building materials that compose the flooring, walls, and ceilings will be examined thoroughly. The technician will determine if the materials will need to be fully removed or if they can be disinfected. The same identification process applies to affected furniture, electronics, window coverings, bedding, and other belongings within the crime scene

Cleaning, Disinfecting & Deodorizing-this involves using the prescribed chemicals and solvents based on the nature of the crime scene

Removal of Contaminated Materials from Property-After all of the contaminated materials are properly placed in the appropriate biohazard disposal containers, they are safely removed from the property and discarded through the proper means

At the end of the crime scene cleanup process, the property is left safe, fully disinfected and ready for any necessary repairs.

At First General, we understand the emotional toll a crime scene can take on the family members and friends. We approach every crime scene cleanup with empathy, discretion, and understanding. For assistance coping with the aftermath of a crime scene, visit: http://www.victimsupport.org.nz/

The First General team employs professional crime scene cleanup technicians. For more information on these services, please visit our page Biohazard and Crime Scene Cleanup.